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ZTE Max
ZTE Max
ZTE Max
ZTE Max
ZTE Max
...


5.2/10
Informr score
The ZTE Max currently has an Informr score of 5.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 9 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Display offers good viewing angles and color reproduction
  • Excellent battery life

What's bad

  • Sluggish 4G
  • Middling processor performance
  • Long battery charge time

ZTE has entered phablet territory with the release of its ZTE Max smartphone. The IPS display measures a whopping 5.7 inches, offering resolution of 720 x 1280. Although this translates to a relatively low pixel density of 257ppi, most reviewers were generally pleased with color reproduction, viewing angles and overall sharpness of the screen. They did notice, however, that whites on the screen were very clearly off-white.

As a mid-range product, the Max might not have high end specs; however it does offer a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. With this, experts found that the phone generally operated smoothly, albeit slowly, when performing small and necessary tasks. According to CNET, even processor intensive games still ran without noticeable lag though they did suffer from lower frame-rate and choppy rendering.

One of the biggest disappointments for critics was the 4G speed. Although the actual connection is reliable, Android Central states that the performance itself was hit-or-miss and often very slow when scrolling through more complicated sites. During battery tests, experts were able to get around 12 hours from the device. Unfortunately, they mentioned that the phone takes a very long time to reach full charge, coming in at around 8 hours.

Like all smartphones, the ZTE Max comes equipped with a rear-facing camera. While basic, the 8 megapixel camera did produce acceptable pictures for reviewers in decent lighting for the most part. Critics did notice that some images would come out slightly blurry and low light pictures often had a notable amount of digital noise.

Reviewers generally have mixed opinions on the device. Laptop Mag states, "the Boost Max is still a very good value." Android Guys, one the other hand, says, "The Boost Max tries to offers as much as its competitors, but ultimately falls short in some important areas."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
5.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.7"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
3200 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Android and Me
Android and Me

I hope you aren’t deterred by the average to below average number score I gave to the Boost Max. The Boost Max is not a bad Android device. It’s a budget phablet, and I think ZTE cut corners in the appropriate places to make the Boost Max a phablet you can buy for $299. This phone isn&rs...

- Brooks Barnard, Android and Me
Android Guys
Android Guys

The Boost Max tries to offer as much as it’s competitors, but ultimately falls short in some important areas. Most of our experiences can be summed up with a, “This feature is nice, but…”.ZTE’s Smart Viewer is a great addition, adding functionality and innovation to th...

- Jimmy Westenberg, Android Guys
Pocketnow
Pocketnow

We’re more hopeful for the future of this device than anything else. If it weren’t for the lag and performance hangs throughout our entire review period, we probably would have come away from this review a little more jazzed about the phone.No, the display isn’t mind-boggling like...

- Taylor Martin, Pocketnow
Android Community
Android Community

The Boost MAX is a solid performer and should be a device considered by any Boost Mobile customer looking for a bigger screen. In fact, given the size, this handset could serve as a large phone, and also a small tablet for some users. The display, overall performance, battery life, and camera all pr...

- Robert Nelson, Android Community
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

While it's not the fastest smartphone in its class, the $299 Boost Max is still a very good value. This 5.7-inch device offers a quality 720p screen, good audio quality and very long battery life. We also like the split-screen multitasking feature. If faster 4G speeds are important to you, you might...

- Cherlynn Low, Laptop Mag


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the ZTE Max user manual here.


ZTE backs up the Max with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Max has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact ZTE support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find ZTE's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5.7"

The ZTE Max's screen size is 5.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8930 Dual core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3200mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3200 mAh battery.

ZTE Max Specs

Overview
Release Date January 28, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8930 Dual core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.91 W/kg
Body: 1.27 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery, USB Power Adapter
Cellular
Networks
1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Self-timer, White balance, Scene mode, Exposure, Anti-banding
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 258 pixels
Size 5.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3200 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 16.5 x 8.3 x 1.0 cm (6.5 x 3.3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 195 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Boost Max, N9520
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
ZTE Max Reviews
Where to buy ZTE Max
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